Harumi is a dedicated basketball coach, and Natsumi, her daughter, is a spirited athlete with Special Olympics Nippon. Through the ups and downs of competition, they discovered not just the thrill and adrenaline that come from sports and competition, but also the joy of teamwork, and forging a closer, deeper connection with each other.

Natsumi first found out about Special Olympics five years ago through her school. Intrigued by the sporting movement that focuses on athletes with intellectual disabilities, she signed up alongside her mother to be a part of the Special Olympics Nippon Basketball team.

Natsumi started playing basketball when she first entered high school and plays the role of point guard on her team. A player in this position runs the team’s offense by controlling the ball and facilitates scoring opportunities for their teammates, or sometimes themselves.

“I must use my head all the time when I play, such as giving various signals or speaking to my teammates while moving. It’s tough, but I learned that basketball is a really fun sport, and I’m happy when I work well with my team to score a shot,” says Natsumi.

More recently, Natsumi played at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in 2023. Recalling one of the more memorable matches she played during the Games, she said: “The players from the opposing team were quite tall and had a great proficiency in three-point shots. However, I didn’t give up. While I may have lost today, I will persist in using my strengths to secure victories eventually,” she said.

The determined sportswomen added, “I may be small, but my strength lies in defense.” In every game, she aimed to enhance her defensive skills, constantly striving to improve her sporting prowess.

Harumi acknowledges that Natsumi faces challenges both on and off the court as a person with intellectual disabilities, Hence, she sees every match as a win and applauds her daughter for her steadfastness and courage. “I feel very thankful that I can watch my daughter on the court and see her cheer up other players. It makes me very happy,” she says.

Beyond the court, their bond as mother and daughter shines brightest. Through all the victories and setbacks, they stand deeply supportive of each other.

Harumi sums it up, “I hope that everyone knows that they can find a place where they can shine and, whether with or without a disability, they can play sports that bring everyone together.”

Harumi and Natsumi’s story serves as a reminder that our successes are often found not only in medals, but often in the intangible takeaways like human connection and robust relationships forged along the way.

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I did not have a clue what it would be like playing football on the same team with athletes with intellectual disabilities.

In the beginning, I was frustrated that the team did not perform according to my expectations. We had poor rapport and trying to understand one another was laborious and exhausting. It was frustrating that even simple moves like passing the ball were a challenge for us. It sometimes upset me to see how disorganized we were. Every time after practice, I would try to find out what I was doing wrong, but I found it difficult to discuss the issues openly with the team.

It took time, but with the patient and professional guidance of the coaches from Special Olympics Nippon Aichi, we started to come together as a team. We spent months training together and eventually came in third in a national-level football tournament.

During that tournament, I was particularly moved by the friendship and camaraderie displayed by the members of the top two teams. They had strong teamwork and seemed to have a deep, unspoken bond with one another.

Whenever someone made a mistake during a game, there was no finger-pointing, judgment or blame. Instead, they would help and encourage each other. It was a truly inclusive environment where every member of the team was valued and celebrated for their contribution, regardless of their skill level.

I was inspired and determined to build the same level of trust and friendship within my team. I mustered the courage to discuss openly with my teammates our strengths and weaknesses. I asked them personal questions which helped me understand them better. With time, we became not just teammates, but friends.

Our rapport and communication improved tremendously. High-fives came naturally. I also learnt through my interactions with my team-mates that the most important thing was not the final score of the game, but our time together.

The following year, we took part in our second national football tournament and took the silver medal. Honestly, it really didn’t matter to me whether or not we had won. I was just glad to have been able to share the experience and celebrate with my friends. 

Recently, I became the team’s goalkeeper. The keeper is a unique position that enables me to observe the whole team. It is gratifying to see how we have all improved in our football skills. There is also a much stronger understanding and communication within the squad. 

It has been an amazing personal journey of growth for me, making new friends and maturing as an individual. I used to get angry with my teammates for not being able to catch up. I now realize that people will shine and show you what they are truly capable of when you leave your personal prejudices and judgments behind.

Everyone – with or without disabilities – has their own unique path to achieving their goals. We should not be imposing our standards on others. I’ve always loved football, but now I enjoy it even more because of this wonderful team that I’ve grown to respect, trust and love.

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